It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
